Are we alone in space? The search for signals from extraterrestrial civilizations continues with sophisticated techniques and new ideas. This is reported by bild der wissenschaft in the February issue. Even fantastic-looking ideas about the possible abilities of super-civilizations are therefore finding their way into the special field of research.
Infinite expanses, billions of planets and huge periods of time: Against the background of the cosmic dimensions and potentials, it seems unlikely that a being who looks questioningly into the universe has only developed on earth. This view, which is also widespread among astronomers, has led to a traditional search for traces of intelligent extraterrestrials: As part of the famous SETI research (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), scientists are looking for radio wave signals from distant civilizations.
In the first article of the three-part cover story, the bdw astronomy expert Rüdiger Vaas reports on this project, the possible reasons for the unsuccessful search so far and the current further developments. In fact, SETI is actually still at the beginning, because the areas of the sky that have been scanned for radio signals so far are modest. But it is now being expanded significantly, the sensitivity of the detectors is increasing and so is the computer capacity. In addition, the scientists are increasingly expanding the search by searching for new possible traces: Are postbiotic machine civilizations or extinct superintelligences becoming noticeable through technosignatures and extraterrestrial artifacts?
“Alien research” with new ideas
In the sub-article “Neutrinos from the Neighbors”, Vaas then focuses on some fantastic-looking approaches to the communication skills of extremely highly developed intelligences. SETI’s approaches have so far been based primarily on the assumption that extraterrestrial civilizations could emit radio waves – just like mankind. But this could represent a comparatively primitive technique. “It doesn’t contradict any law of nature that mentally and technically much more developed civilizations exist, which transmit long-range signals into space and redesign entire stars according to their needs,” says Vaas.
Neutrinos, for example, appear to be much better suited for interstellar communication or synchronization than radio radiation or lasers. It is conceivable that these so-called ghost particles or possibly also gravitational waves serve as signal carriers and clocks for supercivilizations. They could even use black holes to engrave messages into vibrating spacetime or operate cosmic lighthouses, the article reveals.
Supercivilization in space could also make itself felt through phenomena that appear astrophysically impossible, Vaas then reports in the article “The Search for the Impossible”. Again and again, astronomers look at data in amazement: galaxies disappear, stars suddenly appear or strange objects appear in our solar system. A massive manhunt for exotic celestial phenomena is now underway — and has already led to interesting discoveries, Vaas reports.
The cover story “Extraterrestrial Superintelligences” can be found in the February issue of bild der wissenschaft, which will be available in stores from January 18th.